Live from the Sapphire - March 24-31

[Tallcruiser]

Thanks for posting live! I am really enjoying your pictures.:D

 

Please stop at Crooners one evening and say Hello for me to my favorite Bar Tenders Rubin and Rhob! Tell them I miss them!;)

 

Robin:D

[JacquieP]

Where is the cupcake shop located? I'm happy to know the quarter shuttle is still in operation.

[KruzPrincess]

We just "measured" the tv with an 11" x 8 1/2" piece of paper and got about 26" on the diagonal for the tv. It's huge compared to the old one.

 

Here's a picture I just took:

 

 

Thanks for the TV info. I'm sailing to Hawaii and I like watching movies before I fall asleep. That TV looks great!

[3SDcruisers]

Thanks for all of your posts and pictures. My sister is on the ship this week and I will be in a couple of weeks! Can't wait!

[jonesy111]

We also will be on the March 31st sailing and am really looking forward to it.

 

I was wondering if you could check the Patter and tell me if they have Photography classes available. I am trying to decide whether to bring my small point and shoot camera or my big camera. I would bring my big camera if they had the classes as I could use a lesson or two on it.

 

Also, have you seen much wildlife? Another reason to bring my big camera! Thanks.

[flourpot]

Thanks for the great posts. We sail on the Sapphire this Saturday, 3/31.

 

Your Internet and cell phone comments remind me to ask whether one can be certain when connecting an iPhone or iPad through 3G or WiFi included in a mobile data plan and not connecting and using cabin minutes purchased through Princess. For a California Coastal, I'd prefer to use Verizon cell minutes and data throughout the trip and just avoid paying extra to Princess. Years ago I was burned to the tune of several hundred dollars. As the ship cruised near Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, I thought I had a land-based connection. Instead, I was roaming through the ship's cell phone relay. Both AT&T and Princess told me that was just tough luck since my Blackberry didn't display that I was roaming.

 

Safe travels this week!

 

I have a Verizon Droid 2 Global phone and have been using it to connect to the internet up until today (at sea between SB and SF). Before we left SB, I checked the settings in my phone to make sure that I had data roaming turned off. That way, if I turned on my phone, it wouldn't automatically connect to the roaming verizon satelites. On an iPad, go into the settings and make sure that you uncheck the box that says "connect to wifi automatically". You can also turn off your 3G when you leave SB so that you won't be charged roaming (or find the setting that will not connect when you roam).

 

Right now, I'm using the ship's computer in the internet cafe and the internet really isn't that slow (10-20 seconds for a page to load). I'll be going back to my phone when we get to SF, but for now, this works.

[flourpot]

Where is the cupcake shop located? I'm happy to know the quarter shuttle is still in operation.

 

We found it on the trolley map when we got onto the 25 cent trolley. It is called Whodelicious Cupcakes and is located at 811 State St (the trolley goes down State...I believe it was #59 on the map). It's actually down an alley off of state (turn left when you get to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf). Full size cupcakes are $4, minis are $1. You can also get ice cream or frost your own cupcakes.

[flourpot]

We also will be on the March 31st sailing and am really looking forward to it.

 

I was wondering if you could check the Patter and tell me if they have Photography classes available. I am trying to decide whether to bring my small point and shoot camera or my big camera. I would bring my big camera if they had the classes as I could use a lesson or two on it.

 

Also, have you seen much wildlife? Another reason to bring my big camera! Thanks.

 

The photography class is in today's Patter: 10:00am with Jeremy, limited to 25 people.

 

We saw one dolphin and one seal while anchored in SB. :-) Not much in the way of wildlife so far, but we'll cross our fingers for SF.

[flourpot]

At sea, I haven't been able to use my phone to connect to the internet, so no pictures. :-) I have been taking pictures of menus and the like, so when we get into SF, I'll put them on here.

 

The satelite internet on the ship is pretty good (about 10 seconds to load a page). It is a sunny day today though, so that could be part of the reason why.

 

After a wet day in SB, we woke up to sunny skies and warm weather for our first at sea day. Tonight is formal night, but I'll be hitting up the buffet in jeans because we didn't see anything interesting on the dinner menu. :-) We tried Alfredo's Pizzeria for lunch yesterday. I was underwhelmed. We had the vegetarian and seafood pizzas. If you like shrimp and mussels, you'll like it...if you don't, eat the veggie. :-) I prefer the pizza on the pool deck.

 

We had the pub lunch today. The menu had changed since the last time we were on the ship, so we were a little disappointed (I'll post the pic of the menu tomorrow). The bread pudding for dessert was good.

 

We won trivia today! Yay! We won the most amazing prize ever! ...a keychain... :-P

 

We saw Carlos Oscar last night in the theater and he was very good...we're going to watch him again tonight in the Explorer's lounge. With the new and expanded Piazza, there are constantly acts being performed and we've seen several bands, and acrobat, and the Princess Singers and Dancers perform. All good.

 

There seems to be more going on on this cruise than in the past. Bingo, however, will only be played four times on the cruise (the 2 at sea days, 2 times each day). The MUTS tonight is War Horse. A Week With Marilyn was shown in the theater yesterday.

 

I'm off to take more pictures of things around the ship, so if you want to see something specific or if you have anymore questions, let me know. I'll check this tomorrow morning (I have pics of the dinner menus, Sabatini's, pub lunch).

[lois1112]

The photography class is in today's Patter: 10:00am with Jeremy, limited to 25 people.

 

We saw one dolphin and one seal while anchored in SB. :-) Not much in the way of wildlife so far, but we'll cross our fingers for SF.

 

if you want to see sea lions go to pier 39 in San Francisco...you'll see hundreds.

 

thanks for the posts and the pictures

 

what night is french night?

[KarenCL]

We were supposed to be on this cruise, but we switched to the March 3 sailing when they changed it to a coastal cruise..We prefer the warmer climates. We had a mini suite and we did have the new pillow top mattress -- both of us agreed that it was the most comfortable bed we have ever had on Princess. I had asked for the egg crate, but the steward showed me the mattress and said that he doubted that we would need it. Don't miss the cupcakes in Horizon Court at lunch! Amazing! Regarding the new balcony furniture for the mini suites -- the most UNCOMFORTABLE chairs we have ever sat in! I am guessing that they were ordered without anyone trying them out. I thought it was only me, but my husband and others also commented on this. The next time we sail on Sapphire, I will snag a lounge from the pool area for my balcony because my poor back just couldn't take that darn new "lounge" chair! BTW, the Mexican itinerary was the BEST ever...we bypassed Mazatlan and did an overnight in Cabo. Really enjoyed it! I hope they continue this itinerary in the future. Sapphire is once again a fantastic ship! Enjoy your cruise!

[tiller]

I apologize if you've mentioned this in an earlier post, but I'd like to know more about what the Horizon Court has for lunch. Is there a salad bar and a place where they make sandwiches? Do they have daily specials? Any info is appreciated.

[KarenCL]

I apologize if you've mentioned this in an earlier post, but I'd like to know more about what the Horizon Court has for lunch. Is there a salad bar and a place where they make sandwiches? Do they have daily specials? Any info is appreciated.

 

There is still a salad bar available, and sandwiches are pre-made, although there are cold cuts and cheese and rolls available if you want to make your own. Menu changes daily. Hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, Bratwurst and Pizza are available by the main pool on Deck 14, and there are free soft serve ice cream cones served by the pool, too. I believe I heard someone at the Trident Grill ordering a Philly cheesesteak, too. Plenty of food is available! Omelets are made to order in Horizon Court at breakfast. Belgium waffles are available at the "dessert bar" in Horizon Court in the morning, too, along with the other pastries. Amazing doughnuts are served at the International Cafe in the morning. Can you tell that we really enjoyed the food on our sailing???

[Pamster]

 

We also walked through the casino to find the "empty" area now filled with chairs and tables to give the smokers another place to go.

 

Here's a picture of it:

 

 

 

Lovin' the updates and the pics... we're on this cruise on Saturday... so it's great fun to see what we'll experience on our trip.

 

But, cripes - a smoking lounge IN the casino... Where's the walls, door, and exhaust fan? ;-)

 

Do they prevent them from smoking there during no smoking nights in the casino?

[Daisyforme]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post all the info! I'll be on the Sapphire April 7. Enjoy your cruise and thanks again.

[tiller]

There is still a salad bar available, and sandwiches are pre-made, although there are cold cuts and cheese and rolls available if you want to make your own. Menu changes daily. Hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, Bratwurst and Pizza are available by the main pool on Deck 14, and there are free soft serve ice cream cones served by the pool, too. I believe I heard someone at the Trident Grill ordering a Philly cheesesteak, too. Plenty of food is available! Omelets are made to order in Horizon Court at breakfast. Belgium waffles are available at the "dessert bar" in Horizon Court in the morning, too, along with the other pastries. Amazing doughnuts are served at the International Cafe in the morning. Can you tell that we really enjoyed the food on our sailing???

 

Thank you so much for the details. There are so many choices for lunch on the Sapphire, I hope I get a chance to try them all.

[ihermdar]

Can you share some photos of the new Piazza? Int cafe, wine bar, coffee bar. I think they are on 5. Thanks

[ihermdar]

How is the MUTS? Any suggestions on going to the outdoor movies ie.. blanket, jackets, go early to get a lounge??? Any suggestions you have would be great...Thanks

[catmom040]

Sounds like a wonderful cruise! Hope the rest of your trip is fantastic!

[Southside Mike]

Thanks for providing the details of your cruise.

 

I've read on some message boards that Princess is testing a "wine package" on certain cruises. Can you tell me if Princess is currently offering the "wine package" onboard the Sapphire?

 

Thanks,

 

Southside Mike

[flourpot]

Thank you so much for all the pictures and details! I am on the same itinerary on 4/28.

 

I do have one question for you for your San Francisco day regarding debarkation times. We are debating doing an independent wine country excursion that would require us to be off the ship around 8:15 or so. Can you let us know the earliest debarkation time for San Francisco when you hit that day in the itinerary?

 

Thanks so much, and hope the rain is gone now. It's heading for So Cal at this point, we're supposed to get it today. Enjoy the cruise! :)

 

We docked in SF this morning around 7:00am and received clearance to leave the ship at 7:36am, so if you're down at deck 4 by 7:30, you should have a problem getting off the ship by 8:15.

[flourpot]

Lovin' the updates and the pics... we're on this cruise on Saturday... so it's great fun to see what we'll experience on our trip.

 

But, cripes - a smoking lounge IN the casino... Where's the walls, door, and exhaust fan? ;-)

 

Do they prevent them from smoking there during no smoking nights in the casino?

 

There are 2 non smoking nights in the casino. But on the the smoking nights, it is a cloud of smoke in there. We were in the library last night (located on deck 6 between the casino and the theater and acrosssmoke from Churchill Cigar Lounge) and smoke was billowing in there.

[flourpot]

How is the MUTS? Any suggestions on going to the outdoor movies ie.. blanket, jackets, go early to get a lounge??? Any suggestions you have would be great...Thanks

 

Well, we haven't been out there much because it has been pretty cold/rainy. Last night, the rain stopped and people were out watching a movie. They provide blankets, but I would suggest you wear a jacket and good socks and snag a few blankets.

[flourpot]

Thanks for providing the details of your cruise.

 

I've read on some message boards that Princess is testing a "wine package" on certain cruises. Can you tell me if Princess is currently offering the "wine package" onboard the Sapphire?

 

Thanks,

 

Southside Mike

 

I didn't notice any one trying to sell wine packages on the first day and there isn't anything in the patter about it either. The coffee and pop packages were being offered, but not in a "shove it down your throat" kind of way.

[audrey]

have a wonderful day in san francisco I have it is a nice one.